Tiny steps to help breach town’s language barrier

VISITORS bringing some European flavour to Thame have inspired one resident to try and break down language barriers.

During March, a group of Spanish students stayed with families in the town and in April it was the turn of an Italian group to visit while studying English in Wheatley.

To try and make life easier for future visitors and for any residents who go abroad, Tiny van der Velde, originally from Holland, is laying on English, French and Dutch language classes for beginners and intermediate level linguists at home and the local football club.

She has even taken to teaching English to staff at Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons.

Ms van der Velde said: “I just love languages and think everyone should have a go at trying a new one.”

The courses take place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and during Wednesday and Thursday daytime.